Philadelphia Chinatown's Friendship Arch
A congressional resolution in 1978 established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first week of May was chosen because of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the contributions of Chinese workers to the transcontinental railroad, which was completed May 10, 1869. This week was expanded to a monthlong celebration in 1992. Now called Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this celebration honors the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
The theme for 2022 is "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration."